Islam Times - Saudi Arabia Appoints New FM with Western Experience in Cabinet Reshuffle

Islam Times - Saudi Arabia appointed a prince with diplomatic experience in Western capitals as foreign minister on Wednesday in a partial cabinet reshuffle as the kingdom tries to mend its international image and prepares to take over the Group of 20 presidency.

In a royal decree announced late on Wednesday, King Abdullah appointed Prince Faisal Bin Fahan to the foreign ministry. Meanwhile, Saleh Al Jasser, the director-general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, replaced Nabil Al Amoudi as transport minister.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud had served for the last several months as ambassador to Germany and earlier as political adviser at the Washington embassy. His previous business career in the defense industry included chairmanship of a joint venture with plane maker Boeing.

Saudi Arabia has faced intense Western criticism over its human rights record, including over last year’s murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and its involvement in the devastating war in Yemen.

Prince Faisal joins a new cadre of top Saudi diplomats in their 40s, including the ambassadors to the United States and Britain, who are siblings.